F1: First running of new era for Mercedes, Force India and Toro Rosso

Nico Rosberg was the first driver to test the new Mercedes W05. Photo Credit: Paul Gilham/Getty Images

Nico Rosberg gave the new Mercedes W05 its first shakedown laps at Silverstone on Friday, prior to the car’s official launch at Jerez on Tuesday morning.

“The new F1 W05, powered by the PU106A Hybrid Power Unit, opened a new era of Formula One at 14:21 this afternoon when it left the garage for the first time in cold but dry conditions at Silverstone,” the team said in a statement. “Driven by Nico Rosberg, the car completed a total of 40 km before dusk at 16:30.”

Rosberg’s run was one of the first by a 2014 spec car. The already revealed Force India VJM07 also ran at Silverstone in the hands of Nico Hulkenberg, while Jean-Eric Vergne and Daniil Kvyat gave the new Toro Rosso STR9 – which will be launched on Monday afternoon – its first miles at Misano.

Teams are still allowed two private 100kms runs, despite the much stricter testing rules this year. They are known as ‘Promotional Events,’ and the cars have to run on special tires provided by Pirelli. The FIA also has to be kept fully informed.

Mercedes released a short clip featuring the sound of the new Mercedes W05.